How to Break Bad News

By Tim Molloy

Scott Thomas, a 29-year-old TV news producer, is dumped by his activist girlfriend when his pursuit of fluffy, profit-driven news conflicts with her idealism. Fortunately, his latest assignment may help him prove he's not a dilettante. Because he's "bright, young enough to work in fast food, and nobody," Scott is chosen to go undercover at a Gringo's Southwesten Mexican Grille, a chain owned by a nominee for U.S. secretary of labor. Scott tries to expose workplace abuses, but soon finds himself overwhelmed by a pervy boss, condescending training manuals, and the outsourcing of drive-thru jobs to Jamaica. His own hidden camera exposes his every failure, including his confused flirtation with a 19-year-old single mother who works the counter. Scott vows to save her from the sexual harassment of their boss, but she may not be the one who needs saving.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0753515008
• ISBN13: 9780753515006
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Virgin Books
• Length: 219 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

great book club selection

I read this book as part of a book club and everyone loved it. We had a great discussion about it and I recommend it for any book clubs or just to read on your own.

Entertaining and Thought Provoking

This is an excellent read. A tight story that pulls you along from chapter to chapter. Dialogue like people speak in, but with an edgy overlay. As I read it, I kept trying to cast the characters for the movie version... always a good sign while I read a book. You will enjoy reading this one.

Smart, enjoyable read with lots of sharp wit

This book draws you in immediately with its compelling characters, who are authentic, brave, some times annoying and beautiful, like most of the people I know in real life. Those who like sharp humor will love this book.

Relatable and hugely entertaining,

I started reading this book on the recommendation of a film producer friend of mine. Wasn't sure what to expect, but it quickly brought me in and carried me throughout. It's one of those books where you don't feel like you're reading some bad fiction, but rather, reading a diary about your close friends -- which I love.

Sharp, funny and good news for people who like bad news

Molloy's debut never strays from a sharp rendering of a world that's gone insane with overwhelming self-consciousness.